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Yearly Archives: 2013
Top 10 longest living animals
The National Taoism Examiner was recently emailed a YouTube video regarding the top 10 longest living creatures. You will notice that the Taoism Examiner removed “human” from the list which did appear as #9, as Taoists view humans as belonging to their own kingdom or category, distinct from all other life.
Taoists have always been fascinated with longevity and since the time of Fu Xi, Nuwa (both approx. 8,000 B.C.E.) & Shen Nung (3,500 B.C.E.) have rigorously researched and catalogued all life that met the characteristics of longevity, i.e.: a life span of at least 100 years. The life forms studied included: minerals, vegetation, animals and humans, as these constituted the kingdoms that are “visibly living”.
Some of the minerals, vegetation and animals had such an extraordinary lifespan and contained a very high level of energy or Qi (Chi) that they were included in the Chinese Materia Medica as Forgotten Foods or Herbs. Shen Nung, the father of herbology, spent his entire life studying, testing and formulating many herbs or forgotten foods.
The ancient Taoists also created many Internal Exercises that would increase a person’s longevity, many of the exercises are named after animals with longevity; for example the turtle and crane exercises. Huang Di (over 5,000 years ago) in “The Classic of the Internal”, named the Internal Exercises: Yang Shēng Shù which can be defined as the achievement of a happy, healthy, and long life through the utilization of mental and physical movements to prevent and correct ailments, reverse the aging process, and improve all functions of the body.
It is in the Taoist tradition of studying longevity, that we explore this list of some of the animals with the longest life spans. Enjoy the list, ponder the possibilities and challenge for a moment your preconceived notions of: time, space and aging.
10) Tuatara lizard, over 100 years
9) Lobster, over 140 years
8) Red sea urchin, over 200 years
7) Bowhead whale, over 211 years
6) Koi carp, 226 years
5) Giant tortoise, over 250 years
4) Arctica Islandica, 405 years
3) Actarctic sponge, 1,550 years
2) Black coral, 4, 265 years
1) Immortal jellyfish, infinite!
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The human battery: the original energy theory
Taoists proved thousands of years ago that energy is the basis of all life in the universe. Energy is the foundation of everything; from the most distant star to the smallest grain of sand on earth.
Of particular importance, from the newborn baby to the baby boomers to society’s elders, is how energy impacts our body, mind, spirit and ultimately our health and longevity.
According to Dr. Stephen T. Chang: “…the body is endowed with a definite energy quotient at birth. While this energy is being dissipated through the vicissitudes of daily living, it is simultaneously being replenished by energy obtained from food and air (included within air is the all-pervading electro-magnetic energy). Energy imbalance either an excess or an insufficiency- is the root of all illness; total absence of energy is death. Energy…circulate[s] throughout the body in well defined cycles; moving in a prescribed sequence from organ to bowel via the meridians, it flows partly at the periphery and partly in the interior of the body. Energy within the body is considered to be a dynamic force in constant flux; this is a leading principle in Chinese medicine… (The Complete Book of Acupuncture, p.8)”
We are all born with a certain amount of energy, which differs from one person to the next. At birth, for most people, our energy is at its strongest. This is what accounts for a baby’s incredible flexibility, strength (try to remove their hand from your finger) resistance to injury and illness etc… Every day, from the moment we first open our eyes our energy is being drained. In fact, almost everything in our modern lives has the negative effect of draining our energy.
Sitting down and watching the moving pictures on TV also drain our energy. Did you ever notice how many people will fall asleep, get restless, and develop headaches etc… when watching a television program for more than 2 hours? Now you understand why most movies are less than 2 hours, and if they are over 3 hours usually have a break around the 1.5 hour mark.
To further understand how draining our energy affects our health; visualize that your body is a battery. When the battery is 100% full, you have perfect health and all the organs and bowels are working properly. At 75% you develop a cold, illness, beginning stages of disease and you go to your doctor or health care provider for assistance. When your battery reaches 50% you are admitted to the hospital as the problem has progressed to a deeper stage. The ICU is waiting for you when your energy level drops to 25%. Finally, when your battery reaches ZERO, you flat-line and are considered dead.
Viewing the body through the example of a human battery, will profoundly impact the way you choose to “use” your energy. Is the activity worth the energy output? Notice the above example is based on the scenario beginning with 100% energy. What is the impact if you were born with less, or your lifestyle does not permit 100% energy?
Our first step, is to make sure we keep our energy levels somewhere between 80-100%. This is part of the good news; you do not have to worry about achieving or maintaining 100% energy all the time, just keep it above 75% and ideally between 80-100%. Now you can take a deep breath.
There are activities and techniques that can increase a person’s energy level and begin to develop an energy “savings account” or energy reserves. In particular, the Taoist self healing exercises or Tao of Revitalization, Tao of Balanced Diet and Taoist Herbology will greatly enhance the energy levels of a person’s body, mind and spirit.
There is no better time than today to begin this process. If you are retired or nearing retirement, then now is definitely the time to start recharging those batteries.
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NQA’s annual qigong conference set for Vancouver, Washington
The National Qigong Association’s 2012 annual conference will be held at the Vancouver Hilton in Vancouver Washington, July 27-29. NQA describes their organization as the “premiere membership organization for Qigong. (NQA.org)” NQA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for people to learn about Qigong. They are well known for developing and distributing promotional information to the general public as well as promoting the workshops and seminars of their members, faculty and instructors. In addition to membership they also offer several types of professional membership certifications.
This is the 17th annual conference and this year the focus will be on Renewal-Realignment-Rebirth. There are several key note speakers scheduled as well as smaller workshops over the course of the weekend.
Solala Towler will speak about the Taoist Roots of Qigong. “Solala Towler has been editor/publisher of The Empty Vessel: The Journal of Daoist Philosophy and Practice since 1993. He has had eleven books published and his work has been translated into Dutch, French and Spanish. He is one of the founding board members of the NQA as well as past President. He has taught qigong and Daoist meditation for 23 years. Solala has been a student of the Eastern philosophy since 1969 and leads yearly tours to visit Daoist temples in the sacred mountains of China. He has also recorded four CDs of music for qigong, taiji, meditation, yoga and relaxation. (nqa.org)”
Master Zhongxian Wu is leading a workshop on Fire Dragon 12 Meridian Qigong. “Zhongxian Wu is the recognized lineage holder of various forms of classical Qigong, Taiji and martial arts. He synthesizes wisdom and experience for beginning and advanced practitioners, as well as for patients seeking healing, in his professionally designed workshops. He has authored 9 published books on Qigong, Taiji and other martial arts. Please visit www.masterwu.net for further details. (nqa.org)”
Ying Yang will present the Six Healing Sounds Qigong through a unique musical program. “Ying Yang was the featured solo instrumentalist for the Chinese National Song and Dance Ensemble, the premier traditional music troupe in China. A longtime qigong practitioner, Ying has taught Six Healing Sounds qigong at Kripalu Yoga Center, national tai chi events in the United States and at the May Clinic/University of Chicago Annual Conference on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (nqa.org)”
Other presenters and workshops include:
- Debra Lin Allen: A Healers Guide to Qigong Therapeutics
- Christopher Anderl: Integral Qigong & Taiji: Practices for Renewal, Realignment, Rebirth
- Chris Bouguyon: Smiling Heart Qigong – Elderly Care Renewal and Rebirth
- Vicki Dello Joio: The Three Gates of Enlightenment: Wisdom, Joy and Abundance
- Francesco Garripoli: Qigong: A Tool For Personal Empowerment
- Gary Giamboi: Realigning Your Breath to Your Purpose
- Jan Gyomber: Tai Chi (Taijiquan) as Qigong
- Gayl Hubatch: Extraordinary Vessel Qigong As A Continuum for Renewal
- Eric Imbody: Empowering Intention
- Mark Johnson: Integrated Qigong: Which includes Renewal, Realignment and Rebirth
- Rebecca Kali: Qigong: Path of Renewal, Transformation & Rebirth
- Jessica Kolbe: Ancient and Modern Animal Frolics
- Gary F. Paruszkiewicz: Therapeutic Tai Chi in-a-Chair
- Michael Rinaldini: Intensive Practice: Qigong, Meditation and Silence
- Sandy Seeber: 8 Energy Circle Walking
- Cari Shurman: Kids and Qigong = Focus, Self-Esteem and Peace
- Matthew Sweigart: Taoveda Qigong Yoga Flow
Several registration options are available including a full conference fee ($395) which includes: all workshops, Friday keynote address, demos & reception and the Saturday keynote address and entertainment/social. NQA members receive a $15 discount off the full conference fee and partial day registration options range from $25-$175.
You can find more information and register from the following links:
Online conference registration
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Robert Downey Jr. honored for his dedication to Chinese medicine & martial arts
https://youtu.be/xfSMn7DvwII
Recently, Robert Downey Jr. was honored with the 2012 Robert Graham Visionary Award by Yo San University. According to Yo San University President Larry Ryan, Yo San’s highest honor “is named after the late Robert Graham, an international artist and sculptor, and husband of Anjelica Huston. Mr Graham is best known for his work on the FDR Memorial in Washington DC, the Duke Ellington Monument in NYC and the great bronze doors of the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels in Los Angeles. Until his death Mr. Graham was a supporter and member of the Board of Trustees of Yo San University. [The] Robert Graham Visionary Award is conferred every year to an individual who is an advocate of Traditional Chinese Medicine and whose life is characterized by outstanding achievements. (January 2012 issue of Wellness Magazine)”
Robert Downey Jr. was chosen for this award because of his tremendous recovery over the last 10 years, in both his professional and personal life and to his commitment to Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese Medicine. Downey, overcame many hurdles, obstacles and dark days to achieve his current level of success and peace of mind.
In an interview with Men’s Journal Magazine (May, 2010), Guy Ritchie (Director of Sherlock Holmes), Eric Oram (Downey’s Wing Chun Sifu/Teacher) and Robert Downey Jr. describe how he went from not being able to get insurance companies to bond him for movies and how he could not get any roles, to his current phenomenal box office success with both the Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man franchises. Downey stated that Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese Medicine saved his life and he attributed both to his remarkable recovery. According to Downey, “this is all about focus…Wing Chun teaches you what to concentrate on, whether you’re here or out in the world dealing with problems. It’s second nature for me now. I don’t even get to the point where there’s a problem. (Men’s Journal Magazine, May, 2010)”
If you have been following the Taoism Examiner then you already know that Taoism is the root of Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese Healing/Medicine. Since Taoism has over 6,000 years of success perfecting the Body, Mind & Spirit it is no surprise that its “branches” would produce these dramatic changes.
Congratulations Robert Downey Jr. on this award as well as your dedication to self improvement and cultivation. May you become an example for others of how they can find hope even in their darkest days.
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(Article) Earth day celebrations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Taoism has a long history of conservation; including botany, zoology and biology, in fact the ancient Taoists are the originators of these sciences. According to the late Professor Joseph Needham in Science and Civilization in China, “The Han time [206 BCE-220 CE] was one of the relatively important periods as regards the history of science in China… Much was done in… the beginnings of systemic botany and zoology… (Volume I, Sections 1-7, p. 111)”
Dr. Needham, further elaborates in the same volume of the “…numerous botanical and zoological monographs, of which Han Yen- Chih’s, ‘Chu Lu’ (Orange Record) of 1178 [CE]…it deals in detail with all aspects of citrus horticulture, and was the first book on the subject in any language—but besides this there were monographs on bamboos, lichis, aromatic plants, cucurbits, and flowering trees, as well as Crustacea, birds and fishes. (p. 135)”
Animals from around the world were brought to China so they could be studied and “cared for” at the Imperial Zoo. The imperial zoo was incorporated into the Forbidden City during the early 1400’s and visiting the zoo remained one of the favorite activities of the imperial families throughout the dynastic/imperial period. There are many paintings of exotic animals being presented for safe keeping at the imperial zoo, including animals from Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.
It is in this Taoist tradition, especially through the sciences of biology, botany and zoology that the world is waking up to its responsibility of conservation. The recent Earth Day celebrations at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom theme park featured two days full of activities.
The events coincided with the release of a Disney Nature film: Chimpanzee (a collaboration with The Jane Goodall Institute). Last year’s Earth Day event coincided with the release of African Cats.
Some of the activities included (Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks):
- “Asia (Maharajah Jungle Trek)—Families [could] play a supermarket game and learn how their purchases…make a big difference for wildlife and wild places.
- Africa (Pangani Forest Exploration Trail)—Children [could] observe and identify chimpanzee tracks and clues left behind along trails as they move through the forest.
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch, courtyard—Outside Conservation Station, guests [discovered] fun ways to spend time in nature with their families and find “Chimpanzee”-related merchandise, as well as face painters and caricature artists.
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch, inside Conservation Station—Families [could] visit the Chimpanzee Research Station and participate in a variety of activities based on real conservation work. Guests also [could] talk with cast members who work on conservation projects around the world and learn about the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.”
Visitors were thrilled when Jane Goodall made a surprise visit and answered questions from the crowd/guests. VIP guests were able to take part in a Safari weekend which included: “a campfire with the doctor complete with s’mores and stories and a breakfast with Dr. Goodall and Disney characters in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Backstage Prop Shop. In addition, a special Backstage Safari Tour [gave] guests the opportunity to see Animal Kingdom in a different, behind the scenes light. (Melinda Gregory, Walt Disney World for Grown Ups)”
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(Article) Tai Chi theme park planned near Mt. Wudang in China
Erica Orden reported in the Wall Street Journal that “a Los Angeles-based entertainment group plans to co-develop a $3.1 billion theme park and resort in China‘s Hubei province with a local investment firm, two people familiar with the project said. Ikonic Entertainment Group will plan and design a martial-arts-themed park, as well as a $50 million live show, one of the people said… Ikonic is a new entity co-founded by Tony Christopher, head of Landmark Entertainment Group LLC, an entertainment production company. Landmark has a history of creating amusement-park attractions, including “Terminator 2: 3D” for Universal Studios Florida and “Jurassic Park—The Ride” for Universal Studios Hollywood.”
To place this in more relative terms, a Hollywood amusement park company; which has built some of the most successful amusement park rides in the U.S. is planning on building a major theme park at the foothills of Mt. Wudang, the birthplace of Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan).
On the surface, this may sound like an exciting opportunity, probably a dream come true for most kids growing up in the 1960’s-1980’s, which arguably was the golden age for Kung Fu & Martial Arts movies. Some historical and background information is required, however, to fully understand the ramifications of this plan.
What is Tai Chi?
Taiji Quan (aka Tai Chi Chuan), is a highly sophisticated Internal exercise developed by Taoists for the specific purpose of cultivating the body, mind and spirit. Many people describe Tai Chi as an internal martial art; however, this view focuses only on the minor benefit of practicing Tai Chi while neglecting the major purpose and original intention.
Tai Chi as practiced today is based on the cultivation exercise created by Zhang San Feng (Chang San-feng). Zhang San Feng was a famous Taoist Priest/Minister who developed the Tai Chi system on Mt. Wudang, and eventually built the Wudang Temple as a Taoist School/University. Most accounts state that Zhang San Feng was already an accomplished Taoist when he traveled to the famous Shaolin Temple and after a few years mastered all of the Shaolin techniques and then founded the Wudang Temple to further practice and teach Taoist cultivation.
Based on two Classical Taoist texts, the I-Ching and the Tao Teh Ching, Tai Chi is rooted in Taoist philosophy and science. This is why, if you were to literally translate Taiji Quan into English, you would get a rough translation of “The Supreme Ultimate…” Tai Chi was designed to be the Supreme Ultimate cultivation, which is unfortunately, rendered down by many of its practitioners to just a martial art or merely an exercise. It is this lower form of Tai Chi that the theme park will most likely feature, as the highest and truest form of Tai Chi would never be used for the purposes of entertainment.
Mt. Wudang is considered to be one of the holiest sites among Taoists and is a very special place for a Taoist to practice the cultivation of their body-mind-spirit. It was with this consideration in mind, that Zhang San Feng chose Mt. Wudang as the location to build the Temple. Several of the Taoist buildings on Mt. Wudang are from the 7th century C.E. and were made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
Ancient Temple built on a mountain considered to be Holy
There are several questions raised in this article that you are asked to reflect on. If Tai Chi was designed and is practiced as a Spiritual exercise, should this exercise be rendered down to a performance/entertainment level similar to dancing or acrobatics? Is Mt. Wudang the appropriate location for ANY theme park, given that it is regarded as a Holy Site and the Wudang Temple is a spiritual training center?
Would we applaud or approve of a theme park at another major religious holy site? How would we react to a Catholic theme park at the Vatican, a Jewish theme park at the Western Wall/Wailing Wall, or a Muslim theme park located around the Kaaba, in Mecca?
What is to become of humanity if we turn everything into a commodity, or if we begin to view everything through the lens of progress and advancement, all the while losing site of our wisdom and history?
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(Article) Australian research proves that Qigong helps Cancer patients
Qigong (aka Chi-Kung) is a branch of the Taoist self healing exercises or Tao of Revitalization and has been practiced for over 5,000 years by millions of people around the world. A University of Sydney research project confirms that “Cancer patients who used [Qigong] a combination of gentle exercise and meditation experienced significantly higher well-being levels, improved cognitive functioning and less inflammation compared to a control group… which deteriorated in all of these areas. (The University of Sydney, Australia)”
The benefits of reduced inflammation were particularly significant for the group practicing Qigong, stated Dr Byeongsang Oh, a clinical senior lecturer at the Sydney Medical School who led the study. The ten week project involved 162 patients, ranging in age from 31-86 years old; 34% of the participants were diagnosed with breast cancer and 12% with colorectal cancer. The group had two 90 minute classes per week and was encouraged to practice 30 minutes per day at home. In addition to the benefits already listed, the participants were pleasantly surprised when they noticed an increased satisfaction with their sex lives as well. Dr. Oh presented the results to the American Society of Clinical Oncology at a recent conference in Chicago.
Other studies involving Qigong and Cancer
This study is one of many recently that confirms the tremendous healing ability of the Taoist exercises, whether they are Tai Chi, Qigong or the Tao of Revitalization. Presently, the Richard Stockton College of NJ is conducting research regarding the ability of Tai Chi to reduce joint pain in breast cancer patients. In China, Dr. Pao Ling conducted a study with over 2,800 terminal cancer patients involving Qigong therapy as their treatment regimen. After a six month period 59% of the patients were cured or showed significant improvement and 41% showed no improvement. You read that correctly, that’s 59% of the people being cured or significantly improved with Qigong as the only treatment in only six months!
It is very promising to see modern scientists and researchers’ confirming what was previously discovered by Taoists over 6,000 years ago. The modern researchers do not understand how these “exercises” produce such miraculous results, however, the ancient Taoists did and still do understand the how and why.
How is this possible?
Dr. Stephen T. Chang beautifully summarizes the process in “The Complete System of Self Healing”: “The Internal Exercises were arrived at by ancient Taoists through careful study and application of the physical laws of nature and the natural principles of healing. Their conformity to these physical laws-the same laws that govern the human body-confer upon the Internal Exercises the special power to coax the diseased bodily parts back to its natural order, to health… When followed daily, they promote not only freedom from disease and pain, but also a wonderful sense of well-being that springs from the heart of the individual… [Taoists] emphasized that one could at the very least obtain perfect health and happiness during their lifetime. They felt that [everyone] had the right to live a life free of physical pain, mental disharmony and spiritual selflessness.”
Through these exercises, it is possible for humanity to live, develop and grow older without worrying about the ailments that most consider unavoidable or a byproduct of being alive. For the Taoists, perfect health, harmony and balance are our birthrights!
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(Article) Jesus and Lao Tzu expressing the same message
In the spirit of honoring Jesus, you are presented with an intriguing question: Are the similarities between Jesus and the Taoist sage Lao Tzu merely coincidental or are they expressing the same message?
In the Bible there is a period of approximately 18 years in which the life of Jesus is a great void. It is quite interesting that the historians, disciples and early church scholars/scribes, made sure to document the birth of Jesus, events up to age 12 and approximately the final three years of his life.
The only mention in the Bible of Jesus’ life during these lost years is vague at best, in Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Most of the Christian leaders and scholars assert that Jesus remained in Nazareth until the time he began to openly teach. There are others, however, who say that during those 18 years Jesus traveled to the East on the Silk Road; studying and living in China and Kashmir near northern India. There are in fact many references to Jesus in China and Kashmir, from signatures signed with the name Issa, to the temple in Ladakh, Kashmir-India which tells the story of the “Life of Saint Issa, Best of the Sons of Men”, Issa is Arabic for Jesus. These are just a few of the many references to Jesus being in the East.
Putting aside for the moment your feelings of the possibility that Jesus traveled to China and Kashmir during those 18 years; let’s explore some of Jesus’ teachings from the New Testament and compare them to what Lao Tzu said in the Tao Teh Ching approximately 500 years before Jesus as well as the I-Ching recorded several thousand years prior to Jesus’ birth.
Please note all Biblical quotes are from the King James Version of The Holy Bible by Regency and Thomas Nelson Publishers. Tao Teh Ching is referenced from the “Tao Teh Ching” by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English and “The Complete I-Ching” translated by Alfred Huang.
Matthew 26:52
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword in his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Tao Teh Ching section 74
…There is always an official executioner.
If you try to take his place,
It is like trying to be a Master Carpenter and cutting wood.
If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter,
You will only hurt your hand.
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Tao Teh Ching section 76
…The hard and strong will fall.
The soft and weak will overcome.
Let’s further examine Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, his most famous and perhaps most important message for humanity. Read this section a few times, even if you are familiar to it, and then pay close attention to the quotes from the Tao Teh Ching section 67 and the I-Ching Hexagram 15.
Matthew 5, 6 & 7, quoted here 5:3-12
…Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Tao Teh Ching section 67
…I have three treasures that I guard and hold dear:
The first is love,
The second is contentment:
The third is humbleness.
Only the loving are courageous;
Only the content are magnanimous;
Only the humble are capable of commanding.
I-Ching Hexagram 15, Qian- Humbleness
Humbleness, Prosperous and Smooth.
It is the Tao of Heaven to send its energy down shining upon all beings.
It is the Tao of Earth to send its energy up linking with Heaven.
It is the Tao of Heaven to decrease the full and increase the humble.
It is the Tao of Earth to alternate the full and make the full humble.
It is the Tao of spirit to harm the full and bless the humble.
It is the Tao of humans to dislike the full and love the humble.
The humble is honored to radiate its brilliance.
When the humble is in a lower position, he does not lose his principle.
Thus the superior person is able to carry his principle through to the end.
In the article, “What is Tao?” it was revealed that Tao means God and Da Tao translates as Great God or Great Tao. Here we also see the emphasis on humbleness, love, contentment and courage, with references to the Tao of Heaven shining down upon all etc… The very same characteristics Jesus was teaching in his Sermon on the Mount. Further articles are needed to discuss the similarities in more depth, for now, the purpose is to begin the search and to introduce the similar message.
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2012 a Taoist year in review
2012, the year of the Dragon was an interesting year indeed. We witnessed many examples of transformation and change, good and bad, as well as apocalyptic failures of apocalyptic predictions, and a continuing slide (or fall) down an ever…(read more)
(Article) Tai Chi offers hope to breast cancer survivors with NJ college research program
“Often, breast cancer survivors must take medication known as aromatase inhibitors, which are designed to prevent the cancer from returning, but may also cause severe joint pain, similar to osteoarthritis, according to Gregg J. Cardena, a student researcher in the doctor of physical therapy program at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. (Qi Journal volume 22, no. 1 & Patch Newsletter)”
Many women stop taking this medication as a result of the severe joint pain, which according to Cardena increases the risk of the cancer returning. The college is offering Tai Chi classes through the Physical Therapy department’s research program, and is hopeful that Tai Chi will deliver the same extraordinary results it has for many people suffering from similar conditions. Specifically, the college wants to see if taking Tai Chi classes twice per week for eight weeks will reduce or eliminate the participant’s joint pain allowing them to complete the five year aromatase inhibitor medication schedule.
Tai Chi, or Taiji Quan & Qigong, have already been proven by many medical studies to greatly help or improve the following conditions: Alzheimer’s disease, depression, Parkinson’s disease, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, recovering from stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, as well as other forms of cancer, to name just a few. “A 2004 study at the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, NY, assigned 21 women who had been treated for breast cancer to either 12 weeks of tai chi or 12 weeks of participation in a psychosocial support group, both for 1 hour, 3 times a week. The women who practiced tai chi showed significant improvements in self-esteem and quality of life when compared with the women in the psychosocial support group. (Breast Cancer.org)”
In Asia, especially China & Japan, thousands of research studies, over several millennia, have concluded the effectiveness of Tai Chi, Qigong and Taoist self healing exercises. In Beijing, China the Xi Yuan Hospital, offers Qigong as a primary treatment for many health ailments. A large percentage of the patients choose Qigong as their therapy of choice.
This is no surprise to Taoists as the Tao of Revitalization exercises & meditations have been regarded as the foremost-superior therapy for over 5,000 years as recorded in the Taoist Classic Huangdi Neijing (world’s oldest medical book). Some readers, as well as some practitioners, might not be aware that the Taoists created both Tai Chi and Qigong as exercises and cultivation for the body, mind and spirit.
The study is coordinated under the guidance of Mary Lou Galantino, professor of physical therapy at Stockton, along with two second year physical therapy students, Nicole Piela and Mary Callens. Classes will be conducted at Gilda’s Club of South Jersey in Linwood and Kennedy Health Systems in Cherry Hill. “Women interested in participating in the study should have had a diagnosis of stage I, II or III breast cancer; have been free of disease for at least three months; be postmenopausal; taking aromatase inhibitors; and have had joint pain related to those drugs for at least three months. (Press of Atlantic City, Diane D’amico)”
If you are interested in participating in this or future studies, contact Richard Stockton College professor Mary Lou Galantino at (609) 652-4408 or by email at galantinoml@stockton.edu.
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